Educating for Democratic Citizenship in an Era of Transnational Migration and Global Conflict
What event dramatically changed the way Palestinians/Arabs are viewed?
9/11
What spaces have been utilized as a platform for “faster and more innovative” tactics to recruit youth for far-right extremist groups?
From clothing companies marketing to veterans to fight clubs, MMA gyms, and college campuses.
Why is misinformation a concern?
Threat to democracy (makes it harder to make informed political choices, hold politicians accountable, foster social conflict, undercuts trust in institutions) + exacerbates global issues (belief in climate change, vaccination safety, etc.)
Educating immigrant youth for substantive inclusion in society, and participating and contributing to society, is dependent on…
helping them develop a sense of belonging and the tools for civic engagement within and across the boundaries of the nation-state in which they reside
In what way has the far right “attacked higher-education spaces”?
The far right has created new knowledge institutions, publishing houses, think tanks, and summer schools to train the next generation of student in order for them to be equipped to lead their movement.
Name two psychological risk factors that allow for the spreading of misinformation.
Any of the following: partisan bias, polarization, political ideology, cognitive style, memory, morality and emotion.
In the opinion of Palestinian youth, what is the most important function of US citizenship?
Facilitate economic opportunities that are unavailable back home due to harsh conditions and occupation
They view the U.S as a place where they can "realize various social rights"
What policies have been mentioned to help combat the spread of far-right extremism?
Improve knowledge and understanding of white-supremacist groups and messages, including the kinds of symbols and codes used to communicate and the social-media channels and platforms used to recruit and radicalize. Also, improved channels for collaboration between the federal government and governors, mayors, local law enforcement, local educators, parents, and religious leaders.
What is one path towards spreading misinformation? How does spreading misinformation work?
Misinformation spreads when there is exposure to it, which inspires belief, and then sharing. Alternatively, people can share misinformation even when they don’t believe it, meaning more exposure for others.
What roles do schools play in creating or limiting a sense of belonging for immigrant youth?
Construction of the symbolic boundaries of the nation
Constructing who is and who is not a member of the nation
The provision of resources with which immigrants youth learn to belong and navigate their new society
Has the trading of cryptocurrencies enabled the growth of the far right in the modern world?
Yes, trading cryptocurrencies, along with creating and circulating memes, propaganda and misinformation across the internet have been some of the ways in which the far right has infiltrated and weaponized the modern youth culture using alt tech.
How do cognitive styles impact belief in misinformation?
The tendency to engage in analytical thinking can allow people to discern fake from real news, numeracy can help people better understand quantitative information, “need for chaos” and intellectual humility.
In what ways does the author suggest we change our conceptual framework for citizenship education in schools?
Engage in questions of identity and equality, and educating youth for social change
Build classroom communities that foster students’ and teachers’ capacity to speak and listen respectfully across differences in values, beliefs, perspectives, and politics.
Ensure that educators have the knowledge, commitment, time, and resources to listen across differences
Make schools an inclusive site that helps to build diverse, democratic citizens.
What is the “herd immunity” approach?
It focuses on early and ongoing education, combining awareness and knowledge of the dangers of extremist rhetoric with focused efforts to reduce vulnerabilities. It necessitates a holistic understanding about youth, including ways to address rising alienation, anxiety, isolation, and the lack of belonging that can create susceptibilities to extremist promises, along with the need for mental-health resources to help young people process and heal from prior trauma or exposure to violence.
What do the terms “prebunk” and “accuracy nudge” mean?
"Prebunking” refers to trying to better prepare people against deception and manipulation (often through education in media literacy). “Accuracy nudges” are where people are asked about whether a headline is true before they share.